Hope for Wildlife (20180419) The Turtle Patrol's first visit

Thanks to Clarence's many years of contact with Hope, he was able to get us a visit and personal tour of their turtle facilities. I wish to note here that we were treated very well and even took part in their daily scrum, that deals with issues and emergencies.

Here is a look at a couple of the wonderful tubs that they have for the larger turtles.

They have wonderful care and attention daily, with lots to eat. Can you find Waldo in here?

These shots are actually were actually taken on the 23rd as I had returned to get some swabs of the turtles, reasons for that will be explained in a future post.
So now I have to introduce you all the volunteers that contributed to the cause. We (Jenna, Nicole and I) started with the smallest of Snappers that was readily available.

What a ferocious sweetie. This little guy is only about 8 months old and growing like a bad weed. This is all due to a "head start" program. That is where they keep them awake and fed through the winter so they have a great start to the spring. Here is turtle number two.

Next up were a couple of young snappers that had been turned in to Hope as they were being kept by a private individual as pets. This one had a stubby little tail as a result of being kept with other larger snappers.

Aren't these little "grizzlies" neat?  Let me tell you that they are lightening fast even at this age and Jenna had to be careful when holding them.

Here is the largest of the turtles that we swabbed  on this day. Another wonderful speedy striking killer, that is just trying to earn a living. 

This won't be the last time you get to see these beauties. The Turtle Patrol will be there with Hope and the crew when these guys are released into the wild, and I am expecting to be taking photos.
I want to thank Michelle and Susan as well as Jenna and Nicole for all their help today!
Yours in Turtling,
Turbo